But Stoilov, whose team were thrashed 4-0 by England at Wembley the same night, announced he had quit soon after the game in Sofia. “I wanted the team to get to the finals, but it’s obvious that after two defeats, one at home, it’s going to be very difficult,” said Stoilov.

“I’ve already informed the team and Bulgarian Football Union president of my decision.” Zverotic sank Bulgaria with a 35th-minute goal blasted from outside the box.

Bulgaria were on top early on, but Ivelin Popov and Dimitar Rangelov wasted good chances, leaving the fans to rue all-time leading scorer Dimitar Berbatov’s decision to quit in May.